Reds 2013 Super Rugby season preview

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THE REDS will welcome back a fully fit Quade Cooper for the start of the season but Will Genia won't appear till round five which could impact the start of their campaign.

AT A GLANCE

No Will Genia for the opening five rounds puts the acid on the 2011 title-winners because the champion halfback is undoubtedly the magic man at the Reds.

The good news is that Quade Cooper is hitting the season revitalised in both body and mind after injuries forced the Reds to use five five-eighths to get through 2012.

He will be a game-breaker at No.10. Ben Lucas and young Nick Frisby, with his X-factor in attack, will combine as the vital tandem act replacing Genia while he completes recovery from his knee injury.

Their top-strength starting side will include 14 Wallabies and the Reds are more settled than any other club in Super Rugby which is a credit to how they have built their player list. Journeyman prop Jono Owen is the only new face.

Ewen McKenzie's coaching nous will be complemented by the recruitment of former Western Force coach Richard Graham.

Don't have the gift win over the lame Southern Kings in their draw but don't play the Crusaders either so that balances out.

Flanker Liam Gill, prop James Slipper, backrower Jake Schatz and centre Ben Tapuai are all classy youngbloods who should step up as more influential figures.

James HorwillSource:The Courier-Mail

HARDNUT FORWARD: James Horwill

The Australian skipper is the engine room of the Reds pack. Supremely motivated for a big season after the major hamstring injury that cost him 15 Tests and a Super Rugby play-offs campaign last season.

His authority and physicality at lock means the Reds can compete at their best against the big-bodied South African packs.

Demands high standards in defence which is such a big part of the Reds success.

Knows when to graft and knows when to gamble by ignoring a penalty shot at goal to kick for a 5m lineout and a try shot.

Quade CooperSource:Getty Images

MATCH WINNING BACK: Quade Cooper

Lost in the fallout of Quade Cooper's verbal gaffes and drawnout contract talks of 2012 was a simple fact. He played five times for the Reds when he finally made his comeback and they won all five games.

There is no way he was 100 per cent either in terms of confidence or firepower.

His return to full capacity is a boon for Digby Ioane, Dom Shipperley, a fit-again Rod Davies, Chris F'Sautia, Luke Morahan and Aidan Toua, who will thrive again off his long-ball game from wing or fullback.

Cooper will get a March boost when Genia returns.

YOU DON'T KNOW HIM NOW BUT YOU SOON WILL: Chris F'Sautia

Still just 19, the quiet, powerful winger of Samoan heritage played just three times in 2012 but announced himself in style. He scored a try with one of his first touches of the ball on debut against the Lions.

The Australian Under-20s player has had to deal with longstanding hamstring issues. Hopefully, he can finally get on top of those issues to play a key role in 2013.

Digby Ioane marvels at F'Sautia and what he does at training which is some pointer to his future.STRANGE FACT

Ben Lucas (Reds) and kid brother Matt (Waratahs) could go head-to-head at halfback at some stage during the two interstate clashes this season.